Planning application for apartments at Limerick's Printworks site

A FRESH planning application is expected to be lodged on a city centre building which has lain idle for more than 20 years.

Thanos Securities has signalled its intention to seek the go-ahead from council planners to build 76 apartments on the vast site, which stretches along Catherine Street’s junction with Glentworth Street to where it meets Mallow Street.

The building was once home to the Desmond Arms bar and nightclub, and at one time housed the Limerick Leader printing press.

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Hoarding was placed around the site describing it as “The Printworks”.

It’s the third time in five years an application has been made to develop on this site.

In 2020, the same developer secured conditional permission to build a six-storey office and residential complex.

The developer returned in 2023 and made a successful bid to change the proposed use of the offices to a medical centre.

Almost three years on, however, and there has been no development.

The latest plan proposes to see 76 apartments in a mix of one-and-two bedroomed units over six storeys.

Protected structures are proposed to be refurbished on site. Some parts of the old building without this designation look set to be knocked, according to the plans.

In February 2024, council advised the developer that a derelict sites levy is being charged on the building while it is vacant.

It remains to be seen if this application paves the way for development.